Using Syringe Filters

Syringe filters are one of the most frequently used laboratory consumables. In this brief article, we'll show you how to get the most out of your filter and hopefully improve your results.

	1. Draw a small amount of air (about 1ml) into the syringe before filling with the sample solution. This air is used to purge the filter ensuring maximum sample throughput.
	2. Load the sample into the syringe. Note the visible air pocket ready to purge the filter.
	3. Attach the filter securely with a twisting motion. If the syringe has a luer lock (as in this example), fix it firmly but do not over-tighten.
	4. Hold the assembled syringe and filter vertically to wet the membrane. This prevents air blocks and promotes high flow rates.
	5. Press the syringe plunger gently. If possible, discard the first 0.25-0.5ml of sample. If the back pressure ever increases significantly, change the filter as it may have plugged. Avoid pressing excessively as this could cause the filter housing to burst.
	6. Push the air through the filter to purge the housing and recover any remaining sample.

Related products of interest:

Cronus Syringe Filters

Cronus syringe filters all feature luer lock connections and are colour-coded for easy identification of membrane and porosity. The large range also includes sterile syringe filters.

Titan Syringe Filters

Titan filters are also colour-coded and are available in a wide range of membranes. Titan 17mm and 30mm filters offer increased sample throughput compared to 13mm and 25mm filters.